The Central Coast Mariners have confirmed that Paul Okon has resigned as the club's Head Coach, effectively immediately.
The Mariners issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon detailing that Okon and the club had agreed to part ways following discussions of the club's future plans.
"Both Paul Okon and the Central Coast Mariners have been in discussions for several weeks about the strategic direction of the football club," the statement read.
"Given the club’s future strategies and plans, both parties have agreed that it is best to end the association immediately to give the club an opportunity during this vital period to re-sign players and target new players."
The Mariners confirmed assistant coach Ivan Jolic has also departed the club, with Youth Team coach Wayne O’Sullivan appointed as caretaker coach.
Central Coast initially appointed Okon as the club's head coach ahead of the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season on a two-year deal.
They struggled in Okon's first season in charge and finished a disappointing eighth, one point ahead of bottom-placed Newcastle.
And despite a promising start to this campaign which saw the Yellow and Navy knock off reigning Champions Sydney FC in Round 6, the Mariners sit second bottom and are out of finals contention.
Okon's final match in charge saw Central Coast suffer a heavy 5-2 defeat at the hands of Melbourne Victory on Sunday, the club's fourth loss in six matches.
“I will forever be grateful to the Mariners for the opportunity they gave me," Okon said in a statement.
"I thank the players for their commitment and the fans for their support. Finally, I wish the club all the best in the future.”
The Mariners host league-leaders Sydney FC at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
